Two Boston men are facing heat for a series of brazen thefts across the city that have left businesses tallying losses and struggling to safeguard their goods. Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden has pointed out the broader impact, explaining, "These thefts affect more than just store owners. The true impact is felt by the entire community through store closures, item restrictions and reduced access to daily essentials and medications," according to a recent press release.
James Nickola, a 39-year-old with a lengthy criminal record, was charged earlier this month with larceny from a building and breaking and entering. Despite his extensive 11-page arrest record, Nickola was apprehended after breaking into the Express Convenience store, resulting in over $7,000 in stolen goods and property damage. This isn't Nickola's first offense; he has previously been convicted several times for larceny and assault and battery. According to authorities, Nickola had previously broken into the same store twice and was supposed to stay away from the area. He currently awaits a pre-trial hearing scheduled for June 10, 2024.
Also in hot water is Christopher Alves, 35, who's found himself shackled to a hospital bed while being arraigned on multiple theft charges. Judge Kathleen Coffey revoked bail on three of Alves' open cases, stacking the deck against him before his return to court on May 31. Alves seems to have had a particular taste for gourmet shrimp and meats, as the report from the Suffolk County DA's office tells of multiple perishable pilfering escapades from Whole Foods, tallying up to a hefty $700.
In the most recent of his culinary capers on May 15, Boston police responded to a reported theft in progress. Officers found Alves with backpacks bearing the Whole Foods trademark and shrimp he claimed were not stolen but a "mistake." Alves has made himself known to local Target employees, too, with at least five documented shoplifting incidents starting March 18. Despite being caught by the police and agreeing to give back the shoplifted items, Alves repeatedly managed to sneak away with the goods - until recently.
Hoping to quell the rising tide of retail thefts, Hayden's office has reached out to retail groups and business owners to strategize on prevention and response. They aim to curb the disturbing trend that's sparked national debate and local worry, especially as essential services like pharmacies shutter in minority communities, as noted by officials and outlined on the Suffolk District Attorney's website.
